There is more to traffic woes than ‘blocking the box’

Steeper fines for Toronto drivers caught blocking the box, Sept. 16
I don’t think those who propose a $450 fine have ever watched how these scenarios happen. I have waited many times for the appropriate time to go through an intersection. Sometimes when it looks safe and legal, it can quickly change and someone can be perceived as the culprit of “blocking” when that is not the case. Radar or red-light cameras are accurate for speeding, but a “blocking” camera system would not be as accurate. The correct solution is to hire more traffic agents. If you drive in these jams you know how effective traffic agents are right now. Drivers are pleased to be directed. They wave and smile. A properly staffed intersection is much better and more pleasant than horns and abusive language that occur when drivers fend for themselves.
Mike Faye, Toronto
I totally agree with the new fines for this offence. However, I think that in conjunction with this, drivers should not be allowed to turn right on a red light. It is very frustrating when a car turning on the red grabs your spot and then you are stuck blocking the intersection without intending to.
Susan Milne, Toronto
We need more than stiff fines for blocking. Ban all cars on King, Queen, Dundas and College streets. Allow streetcars, rideshares, taxis and bicycles, e-scooters and electric skateboards only. Remove all street parking between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Allow cars only on Adelaide and Richmond streets, and remove all bikes lanes. If you make the intersections “scramble,” ensure pedestrians and others obey the rules posted. With all of this considered, we will finally get moving.
Carol McKenzie, Toronto
A known cause of urban gridlock is “blocking the box.” While it is important to have cameras for data collection and traffic monitoring, and to have tickets, it will not solve the problem. City hall and courts are strained to the limit. Is it really a good practice to add more traffic offence cases when drivers inevitably fight tickets? I think that the solution to traffic woes lies in convincing commuters to accept responsibility and agency for congestion. City planners and other government officials need to find positive ways of rewarding people for proper behaviour. 
Moses Shuldiner, Toronto
I have ideas for our traffic woes. We need to free up space and time for streetcars to turn left. Prohibit left turns at all intersections for all vehicles other than streetcars. Three right turns around a block in advance equals a left turn. Institute scramble crossings for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and ensure pedestrians and bicycles do not cross intersections at all other times of the light cycle. This frees streetcars from being blocked by left turning vehicles that are blocked by pedestrians crossing and cars and trucks aren’t stuck awaiting pedestrians to clear before turning right.
Michael Gilmor, Ajax
Will Ferrell is the latest celebrity to slam Toronto traffic, Sept. 13
Isn’t it sad that actor Will Ferrell had to sit in a vehicle for 30 minutes to go one block? Or not. Are we supposed to feel sorry for these highly paid celebrities and treat them like they are so special? Of course a celebrity like him wants to arrive in a fancy limo. They wouldn’t get the attention if they arrived by shanks’ pony. This whole over-the-top adulation of film stars is just too much.
Dorothy Low, Richmond Hill, Ont.